Cable fixation devices and methods

ABSTRACT

A cable fixation device (100, 200, 300, 400) includes a base (102, 202) with fastener holes (104), an upright (110, 208) projecting from the base and including a fixation projection (126, 212, 316, 318) having a reduced dimensional portion (128, 214, 324) for receiving a cable tie (152, 222, 326). Protrusions (130, 218, 320) are provided for engaging the cable jacket. Variations on the cable fixation device include a fixation element (130, 218, 320) which can slide and/or rotate about a vertical rod; a plate element (304) which includes a plurality of fixation projections extending between two rods; and a plurality of uprights (208) integrally formed with the base and including forwardly and rearwardly projecting projections. The base (102, 202) and the fixation projections (126, 212, 316, 318) can be made from molded plastic.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/106,324 filed on Jun. 20, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,520,695, whichis a National Stage of PCT/EP2014/078571, filed on Dec. 18, 2014, whichclaims benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/917,754 filed onDec. 18, 2013, and which applications are incorporated herein byreference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made toeach of the above disclosed applications.

BACKGROUND

Telecommunications systems such as fiber optic communications systemsare becoming prevalent in part because service providers want todelivery high band width communication capabilities to customers. Fiberoptic communications systems employ a network of fiber optic cables totransmit large volumes of data and voice signals over relatively longdistances. Being part of a large fiber optic network, cables routed toand from telecommunications equipment may be exposed to pulling, pushingor rotational forces. It is desirable to provide effective cablefixation or termination for fiber optic cables that are secured oranchored to telecommunications equipment or fixtures to limit damage tooptical fibers within the cables and/or connections within thetelecommunications equipment.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention relates to a cable fixation deviceincluding a base mountable to telecommunications equipment and includingat least one upright projecting from the base. The upright includes afixation projection having a reduced dimensional portion for receiving acable tie.

In one implementation, the reduced dimensional portion includesprotrusions for engaging a cable jacket.

In one implementation, the base and the fixation projection are madefrom plastic.

In a further implementation, the upright along with the base and thefixation projection are made from plastic.

In one implementation, the base includes at least one hole for receivinga rod. The rod forms an upright, and the fixation projection ispositioned on the rod.

In one implementation, the rod receives a plurality of separate fixationprojections.

In one implementation the base includes at least two holes, each holereceiving a rod, and each rod forming an upright. Each rod receives aplurality of separate fixation projections. In some implementations, thefixation projections can pivot on the rod or rods. In someimplementations, the fixation projections are positioned on plates whichconnect to two rods.

One implementation of the cable fixation device includes a base with atleast one hole for a projecting rod wherein the rod receives one or morefixation elements for each connecting to a cable. The fixation elementscan move in one or more of the following manners: axially along the rod,transversely relative to the rod, and rotationally relative to the rod.

In one implementation, the fixation element can include a strengthmember clamp.

In another implementation, the fixation element can include two reduceddimensional portions, each portion sized for receiving a cable tie.

In one implementation, the cable fixation device includes a base withtwo upright rods and a plurality of plates which span between the tworods to hold a plurality of fixation projections on each plate. Theplate includes two holes, one for receiving each rod, wherein one of theholes includes an oval shape. The plates are moveable axially along therods.

The plurality of different holes on the base can be provided so that therods can be selectively placed in a desired hole or holes.

Another implementation of the cable fixation device includes a baseintegrally formed with one or more uprights. Each upright includes aplurality of fixation projections projecting outwardly from the upright.In one implementation, each upright includes a forwardly projectingfixation projection and a rearwardly projecting fixation projection. Theforwardly and rearwardly projecting fixation projections are axiallyaligned. Each fixation projection can receive a cable tie. In oneimplementation, the pairs of fixation projections can receive one, two,three or four cables.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a telecommunications enclosure thatincludes several cable fixation devices, and shown without the enclosurecover, and without the cables;

FIG. 2 is the perspective view of claim 1, with some example cablesshown fixed to the enclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3C are perspective views showing the cable entry locations, andthe cable fixation devices positioned in and exploded from the rest ofthe enclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cable fixationdevice;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base of the cable fixation device ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fixation element of the device of FIG.4;

FIG. 7 is a further perspective view of the fixation element of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the fixation element of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the fixation element of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the fixation element of FIG. 9,taken along lines 9-9;

FIG. 11 shows the cable fixation device of FIG. 4 fixing three cables tothe enclosure;

FIG. 12 is another view of the cable fixation device, cables, andenclosure of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a cable fixationdevice;

FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the cable fixation device of FIG.13;

FIGS. 15 and 16 show the cable fixation device of FIGS. 13 and 14 fixingcables to the enclosure;

FIG. 17 a perspective view of a third embodiment of a cable fixationdevice;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a cable fixation plate of the device ofFIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the cable fixation device of FIG. 17fixing cables to the enclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to arrangements and methods for providingeffective fixation of telecommunications cables to telecommunicationsequipment.

According to one example embodiment, the telecommunications equipmentdiscussed herein are fiber optic equipment and the telecommunicationscables discussed herein are fiber optic cables that define an outerjacket and at least one optical fiber therein. In some implementations,the fiber optic cables include a strength member or members. In someimplementations, the fiber optic cable may include multiple opticalfibers.

It should be noted that a fiber optic cable is simply one example of atelecommunications cable that may be used to describe the inventivefeatures of the cable fixation device of the present disclosure andother types of cables, including electrical cables and hybrid cablesthat may be terminated with the devices discussed herein.

According to one example embodiment, the fixation device of the presentdisclosure may be referred to as a cable fixation device 10. As will bedescribed herein and shown in the accompanying drawings, severalembodiments are provided for cable fixation device 10. The cablefixation device 10 of the present disclosure may be used to fix cablesto a variety of different telecommunications equipment. Thetelecommunications equipment, including fiber optic equipment, to whichtelecommunications cables are fixed using device 10 of the presentdisclosure may also be referred to as equipment, fixture, or enclosure12. As used herein, the examples shown are for an enclosure 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, enclosure 12 includes a base 14, a cover 16,and an interior 18 for receiving telecommunications cables, connections,splices, splitters, and/or other equipment.

Cables enter enclosure 12 through one or more cable ports 22. Not all ofcable ports 22 need be used in every application. In the illustratedexample, all four ports 22 are used. Cable ports 22 can be covered by apanel which is removed when cables are used with enclosure 12. The panelcan be a breakaway design. Various cable seals 30, 32, 34 are used toseal the individual cables entering at each cable port 22 from theenvironment, such as from dust or water. Cable seals 30, 32, 34 vary fordifferent sized cables. As shown, different cables 40, 42 are used withdifferent seals 30, 32. Seal 34 is used with a still further differentcable.

Each cable fixation device 10 is mounted to base 14 of enclosure 12 witha plurality of fasteners 38.

Referring also to FIGS. 4-12, a first embodiment of a cable fixationdevice 100 is shown including a base or base element 102. The baseelement 102 includes mounting holes 104 for mounting base element 102 tobase 14 of enclosure 12. Projections 106 each include a hole 108 forreceiving a bolt 110. Bolt 110 is used as an upright to hold one or morefixation elements 116. Each fixation element 116 is used to fix a cableto cable fixation device 100. A nut 112 keeps the fixation elements 116on bolt 110. Base element 102 can receive more than one bolt 110. Pairsof projections 106 can be selected depending on cable types andlocations entering through port 22.

Fixation element 116 includes a body 118 having a first end 120 and asecond end 124. Disposed at first end 120 is a tie area 126 having areduced diameter portion 128. Tie area 126 can receive a tie or strap orother fastening loop 152 for connection an exterior of a cable to tiearea 126. A zip tie, or a hose clamp are two examples that may be used.Tie area 126 may also include protrusions 130 to increase frictionalengagement with the cable. Fixation element 116 may include a second tiearea 134 including a hole 136 through body 118 to allow for receipt of atie or strap. Second tie area 134 may also include protrusions 130.

Adjacent to second end 124 of fixation element 116 is a strength memberfixation device 138 for fixing a strength member 48 of the cable tofixation element 116. Strength member fixation device 138 can include anut 140, a screw 142, and a clamping element 144. Strength memberfixation device 138 is not used if cable 42 does not have a strengthmember, or if the user desires not to secure to the strength member ifpresent.

Fixation element 116 includes an opening 146 for receipt of bolt 110.Opening 146 is located adjacent to a middle area of body 118. Also, itis to be appreciated that opening 146 is oval-shaped.

Fixation element 116 in the example shown has a plurality of directionsof freedom of movement. Fixation element 116 can move up and downaxially along bolt 110 to better align with the incoming cable 40.Fixation element 116 can also move transversely relative to bolt 110 toaccommodate different cables, and/or different locations of the cableentering the enclosure 12. Fixation element 116 can also rotate aboutbolt 110 to improve alignment with the incoming cable. It is to beappreciated that the preferred fixation element 116 is provided with allthree types of freedoms of movement. However, less freedoms of movementcan be provided, if desired.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, a second embodiment of a cable fixationdevice 200 is shown having a base 202 and mounting holes 204 formounting base 202 to base 14 of enclosure 12. Cable fixation device 200includes one or more uprights 208. Each upright 208 has one or morefixation projections 212. Each fixation projection 212 includes areduced diameter portion 214. Small projections 218 are provided on eachfixation projection 212 to increase frictional engagement with thecables attached to cable fixation device 200. As shown, each fixationprojection 212 includes protrusions 218 on opposite sides so as toreceive a cable 42 on each side of the fixation projection 212. Asshown, each upright 208 includes a plurality of first fixationprojections 224 projecting in a first direction and a plurality ofsecond fixation projections 226 aligned with the first fixationprojections 224 and projecting in an opposite direction. With theillustrated embodiment, each pair of fixation projections 224, 226 canreceive one, two, three or four cables. Two ties 222 are shown used tofix the four cables 42 in a bundle to each upright 208, with the upright208 positioned in the middle of two opposed pairs of cables. Eachfixation protection 212 defines a T-shape in the illustrated example.Fixation device 200 includes a one-piece body 216 including base 202,uprights 208, and fixation projections 212.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, and 17-19, a third cable fixation device 300is shown. Cable fixation device 300 includes a base element 102 whichmounts in a similar manner to base 14 with fasteners. Fastener holes 108of projections 106 receive one or more bolts 110. In the preferredexample, two bolts 110 are shown, and two nuts 112 are shown. Bolts 110hold a plurality of plates 304 in a stacked arrangement. Each plateincludes a first hole 306 at a first end 310 and a second hole 308 at asecond end 312. Second hole 308 is oval shaped. The oval shapeaccommodates variations in the spacing of bolts 110. Each plate 304 alsoincludes a plurality of fixation projections 316 which can receive a tie326 for holding a cable to the fixation projection 316. Each fixationprojection 316 includes small protrusions 320 to improve frictionalengagement with each cable held to cable fixation device 300. As shown,base element 102 also includes fixation projections 318 for eachreceiving a cable and a cable tie. Small protrusions 320 are alsoprovided on fixation projections 318. Plates 304 can slide axially alongbolt 110 as needed to improve cable alignment with cable fixation device300. Each fixation protection 316, 318 defines a T-shape in theillustrated example with a reduced diameter portion 324. Each fixationprotection 316, 318 receives at least one tie 326. As shown in FIG. 19,two ties 326 are used for each cable 42. A wrap 328 may be placed aroundeach cable 42 to increase the fixation force.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, a fourth embodiment of a cable fixationdevice 400 is shown which includes two columns 402 of fixation elements116 and two bolts 110 mounted to base element 102. Fixation device 400can hold more cables than device 100.

The various cable fixation devices 100, 200, 300, and 400 can be used asdesired depending on the situation for cable fixation and the enclosure12.

Some of the parts, such as base 102, are useable in severalconfigurations. Multiple numbers of bolts 110 can be used, and thelocations of the bolts can be varied.

The floating features of the mounting arrangements of the parts allowthe parts to be used with different cables and different cablelocations.

In one example embodiment, base element 102, fixation element 116, body216 including base 202 and uprights 208, and plates 204, are made frommolded plastic.

Different cables can be accommodated with the various parts, such ascables with strength members and cables without.

A kit can provided with the various parts to be used with a variety ofcable sizes and locations, without requiring custom made bracketsspecific to a certain cable size or cable location.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

PARTS LIST

-   10 cable fixation device-   12 enclosure-   14 base-   16 cover-   18 interior-   22 cable port-   30 cable seal-   32 cable seal-   34 cable seal-   38 fasteners-   40 cable-   42 cable-   48 strength member-   100 cable fixation device-   102 base element-   104 mounting hole-   106 projection-   108 hole-   110 bolt-   112 nut-   116 fixation element-   118 body-   120 first end-   124 second end-   126 tie area-   128 reduced diameter portion-   130 protrusions-   134 second tie area-   136 hole-   138 strength member fixation device-   140 nut-   142 screw-   144 clamping element-   146 opening-   148 middle area-   152 tie-   200 cable fixation device-   202 base-   204 mounting hole-   208 uprights-   212 fixation projection-   214 reduced diameter portion-   216 body-   218 protrusions-   222 tie-   224 first fixation projection-   226 second fixation projection-   300 cable fixation device-   304 plate-   306 first hole-   308 second hole-   310 first end-   312 second end-   316 fixation projection-   318 fixation projection-   320 protrusions-   324 reduced diameter portion-   326 tie-   328 wrap-   400 cable fixation device-   402 column

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable fixation device comprising: a base withholes for receiving rods; two rods, each rod in one of the holes andextending upwardly from the base, each rod including a threaded end; anut on the threaded end of each of the rods; a plurality of fixationelements positioned on the rods, the fixation elements each including aplurality of T-shaped fixation projections arranged in an array, each ofthe T-shaped fixation projections including a reduced dimensionalportion for receiving a tie, the fixation elements including two holesfor receiving the rods, wherein one of the holes in the fixation elementhas an oval shape; wherein each fixation element can move along the rodsaxially; and wherein each of the plurality of fixation elements includesa base portion extending between the two holes, wherein the plurality ofT-shaped fixation projections extend from the base portion in adirection orthogonal to a length of the base portion.
 2. The cablefixation device of claim 1, wherein the reduced dimensional portionincludes protrusions for engaging a cable jacket.
 3. The cable fixationdevice of claim 1, wherein the reduced dimensional portion or portionsare made of plastic.
 4. The cable fixation device of claim 3, whereinthe base is made from plastic.
 5. The cable fixation device of claim 3,wherein the upright is made of plastic.
 6. The cable fixation device ofclaim 1, wherein the base includes fastener holes.